Edwin lit up like I've never seen he was home and the world was right for him. He waved to his people while helping me off the ship, “The war is over! Let Drakewind once again be at peace!” Edwin announced and the people cheered happy to see their Grand Duke again, I felt excitement from everyone and began waving too which led people to lift pieces of art towards the sun. Edwin leaned over and whispered, “It is your job to show which piece of art you like more you have until we get to the castle so that the people can know what art you hold dear.” “Can I choose more than one?” Edwin nodded with a smile.
I looked at all the art as we passed the masses and I couldn't help but have a little prep in my step as I looked at all my people and their art. I touched a wooden statue of a drake and the young man who was holding it squealed with delight as he handed me the statue and declared, “I am only a student of master William of southern vine, I am honored that you chose my drake your highness!” I curtsied then held the drake to my chest for it was beautifully carved from a dark wood and looked like it would come to life at any moment and I swore that I would go and meet him and his master after I got settled.
I chose two other art pieces; one was a crystal bird cage with little ruby fairies in them and a flower crown made from silver with gold flowers that looked like daisies and both gave a greeting like the first apparently I was good at finding apprentices works. Then near the palace I saw the prettiest and sweetest creature and forgetting myself I rushed to the merchant who looked a bit surprised but smiled, “These cats are known as calico's and they come from the far east. Would your highness like to buy one.” I smiled looking at the mewing cats and was drawn to one who didn't want anything to do with the other cats much like me at home.
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“How much for this one?” He looked at the sulking cat and keeping his smile told me one gold, which Edwin reached over and gave him the gold. I was surprised as I hadn't known that he had followed me, but I picked up my sweet kitty who looked less than impressed but still sniffed me then put her face into my chest. I loved her right away and Edwin led me back to the road where we finished our march to the castle.
Once we entered Edwin asked. “What will you name it?” I smiled up at him for I had been thinking and said with the biggest smile that I believe that I ever gave and said, “I will name her after the old emperor of the west Pendragon.” He nodded and ordered that the art I chose including Pendragon be brought to me chambers as he took my hand and led me into the castle to our new home and whispered, “I hope you can still handle a feast and ball.” I took a deep breath and nodded giving him a reassuring smile.